Amman, 26 March 2015

Microsoft Jordan signed an agreement with the United States Agency for International Development Jordan Competitiveness Program (USAID JCP) to launch joint initiatives that enhance the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector's competitiveness in the Kingdom by empowering entrepreneurs and contributing to job creation. The agreement was signed during an event at Microsoft Jordan's headquarters by its Country Manager, Hussein Malhas, and USAID JCP Chief of Party, Dr. Wissam Rabadi.

In cooperation with USAID JCP, Microsoft Jordan launched the 'Microsoft Academic Accelerator Program' that is designed to help the Kingdom address economic challenges, achieve national developmental goals, stimulate job creation and foster entrepreneurship. The program will also focus on developing and expanding the Microsoft Innovation Centre (MIC), thus enabling its participants to find new jobs and helping them further develop their ideas and convert them into start-ups.

"Through this agreement, we seek to equip Jordanian students with the technical skills they need to enter the tech-industry, as well as to encourage the adoption of new trends and technologies, and enhancing existing enterprises' readiness to create new ideas, products and start-ups. Our partnership with JCP is in line with our strategy of advancing entrepreneurs in their quest to create their own businesses as well as increasing youth's chances of finding jobs that correspond with their ambitions and meet local market needs. Moreover, the program supports the national plan in advancing the country's ICT sector as it plays a pivotal role today in the development of various sectors," commented Malhas.

On his part, USAID JCP Chief of Party, Dr. Rabadi, noted, "A recent report by McKinsey & Company listed the Cloud, which shall be included in the academic program, as one of the most revolutionary technologies to reshape the global economy in the next few years. This partnership between Microsoft and USAID JCP will provide local students with state-of-the-art training on Cloud applications. Whether working at a large firm or building their own start-up, the program will offer students the knowledge and practical experience they need to use new technologies like the Cloud to make businesses run more efficiently. USAID JCP will enhance participating students' opportunities through matchmaking events, as well as access to experts, advisors and start-up incubators, helping them bring their ideas to life. In short, the program connects students with an ICT support 'eco-system' enabling them to find good jobs or start their own businesses. From a broader economic perspective, these well-trained students provide the pool of talent that leads to innovation and drives growth in the Kingdom's ICT sector. USAID JCP and Microsoft's efforts complement each other perfectly, and enable students to follow the best practice path to success, one that is founded on learning, innovating and creating."

USAID-funded JCP is a five-year project implemented by Development Alternatives, Inc. (DAI). Launched in November 2013, the project aims to address the challenge Jordan faces in creating high-quality jobs, through increased private sector competitiveness and by working closely with the public and private sectors to promote policy reforms, build capacity, and attract foreign investment.

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This press release has been distributed by Bidaya Corporate Communications on behalf of Microsoft Jordan.

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